Reviews

Hold Still by Mia Nolting, Nina LaCour

Only show reviews with written explanations

mariethelibrarian's review

5.0

Oh my. What a gorgeous book. So sad and yet so beautiful. Im in love with it. Everything was amazing and so moving and sigh it was an amazing journey.

strawbrryreads's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

p_jyoti_s's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Makes an unbelievable impact in a short amount of time. Brave.

jenbsbooks's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional sad slow-paced

3.75

I liked this. It was well written and unique. I think I would appreciate it more if I did a re-read, delved deeper (for a class or book club discussion). But on just a quick listen for "enjoyment" (not that suicide is an enjoyable topic) I don't know how much I'll really remember, how much of this will stick with me. I went with the audiobook, the narration was good (narrator sounded very young, which matches the MC). There are some illustrations in the print copy that of course don't convert to audio. Also how Ingrid's journal is presented ... in a shaded background, little punctuation/capitalization, incorrect spellings. There is an Author's Note in the kindle copy ... NOT included in the audio, which is SO wrong, the author's note adds so much, it's its own story that perhaps hit me harder than the actual novel, maybe because it was real.

Suicide is always a sensitive subject ... I've got my own personal feelings. This was definitely a look at both how friends/family deal with the aftereffects, and also a look (via journal) at the individual. I can't help but think that Ingrid wouldn't fully regret her actions even seeing the aftermath. Ultimately, Caitlin IS alright. Is it better to stay, unhappy, until you destroy relationships with friends/family, would it be better to exit and be mourned and remembered positively? Where "Ingrid was alive not not really awake" ... just going through the motions, for others? There are always "what ifs" but ... that can go both ways. This is definitely a push toward hope (especially the author's note at the end, NOT included in the audio), but is there always?

For some reason - while reading/listening, I'd misremember the title as "Still Life" (photographic term, and ... deeper meaning).

Simple chronological chapters within "seasonal" sections ... Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer Again. 1st person - dominantly present tense, with some shift to past tense for memories. Often letters/journals don't feel authentic but I felt Ingrid's were. Written like letters ... like AnneFrank did. I just write for myself, not TO someone, but the "letter" approach does seem common.